Billy Eppler, A.J. Preller appear to be favorites for San Diego Padres’ GM opening

The San Diego Padres have already narrowed their candidate pool to four as they try to fill their open general manager position, but it would appear as though two favorites have emerged from the group. Billy Eppler, the Assistant GM of the New York Yankees, and A.J. Preller, Assistant GM of the Texas Rangers, have moved into the lead, according to sources that ESPN’s Jim Bowden has spoken with.

The final four candidates are expected to have their second interviews in the coming week.

Early last week it was reported that Eppler, Preller, Mike Hazen, and Kim Ng had emerged as the final four candidates that the team would invite back for further discussions. At the time Hazen, the Assistant GM of the Boston Red Sox, appeared to be a favorite so it is unclear what has changed since. One thing is certain, however, the Padres appear to prefer to give the role to someone young and hungry, rather than a candidate with more seasoning in the position. Only Ng has spent a substantial amount of time in an Assistant GM role but she’s been out of such a position for a few years now, having worked in MLB’s Front Offices instead.

The Padres have been hoping all along to make a decision before the end of July, with their new GM stepping into the position effective August 1st.